Radio receiver sequence tuner



March 18, 1952 E. J. SPERBER RADIO RECEIVER SEQUENCE TUNER 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed April 9, 1946 INVENTOR E. J. SPERBER ATTORNEY J. SPERBER RADIO RECEIVER SEQUENCE TUNER 2 4 .3 9 1 8 1 In c r m 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l nnnnmanananmmm Ill,

Original Filed April 9, 1946 lign.

INVENTOR E. J.. SPERBER BY AroRNEv March 18, 1952 E. J. SPERBER RADIO RECEIVER SEQUENCE TUNER Original Filed April 9, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR E. .J SPERBER AT'ToRNEY March 18, 1952 E. J. SPERBER Re. 23,474

RADIO RECEIVER SEQUENCE TUNER Original Filed April 9, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 45M l l M lull-linnn 87' 6 /6 48A asc) 45B 8* 65 -I 57 60 39D 45p 360 A 6 53 INVENTOR E. J. SPERBER Y ATTORNEY Ressuecl Mar. 18, 1952 Edward J. Sperber, PhiladelphiauPa., assignor to .Radio Corporation of.America,.a. corporation of Delaware Original. No. 2,511,602, datedn June 13, 1950, Serial No. 660,598, April 9, 1946. .i Application for reissue January 26, 1951, Serial No; 208,091

(Cl. Z50-20) Matter enclosed inheavy brackets appears in the original .patent but forms no part fof this 26 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to auto- .matic tuning mechanism for radio receivers, and

more particularly to an automatic .tuner of the sequence type in which a series of predetermined broadcasting stations to which the ytuner is ad- 5 justably set in advance are successively and automatically `tuned-in by actuation of a single control member.

One ofthe objects of the invention is to provide va relatively simple, compact tuner of the type lreissue specication; matterprinted in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view'of the` tuner shown in Fig. l, with the front plate removed;

larged scale, of the turret assembly;

Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 4 lookihg'from the left in Fig, 4;

,. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional View taken on the line v VI-VI in Fig. 4;

above menticnedwhich, although.. not limited because of its compactness and also because its r -SOul'Ce-Of Operating energy may be the car battery eiiecting a step-by-step rotation of the turret during each cycle of operation of the tuner.

thereto, is capable Aof use in automobile receiversv v A still further object of the inventionis to prol vide a manually-operated device in conjunction with the turret which is adapted to serve both as a manual tuningmeans for the receiver and as the .adjusting means for setting-up 'in advance .the broadcasting stations desired to be automatically tuned-in.

. Fig. r'la is a fragmentary side view of the'A turret and-related parts, looking from the right in Fig. 1, showing the turret in its forward, rest yposition lwhereat the tuner is set to one of its-predetermined adjustments;

Fig. '7b is .a view similar to Fig. 7a, showing the turret after being moved rearwardly to Jitsrlimiting position and stepped to its next angular setting l Fig. 8a is a partial view of the front end of the turret, showing the cooperative relation therewith lof la combined guide and switch arm-when the turret isin the forward position shown in Fig. 7a; Fig. 8b is a View similar to Fig. Sashowing the cooperative relation-of the same partswhen the turret is in the rear limiting lposition shown in A Fig. 7b. l

A more specic object of the invention is to I termines a particular setting to which the tuning element is actuable, actuating mechanism operable upon each actuation to withdraw the carrier from a previously adjusted setting and to impart `linear motion to the turret, means for converting the linearmotion of the turret to rotary motion whereby the turret is stepped to a next position whereat the stop corresponding thereto is made eiective, and means operative to return the tuning element carrier in abutting relation against the said eiective stop whereby the tuning elementis adjusted to the setting corresponding .to said stop.

. Thesev and other objects of the invention and i the various features and details of -the construction and operation thereof are hereinafter fully setforth and describedand showninthe accom- `.p'anying drawings, in which:

. f Fig..1 is a top plan viewnf the-tuneraccording f I l'ftov the invention;

Fig. 9a is a bottom view of the-index plate, with a turret p-rojection resting within the indexing slot thereof, when the turret is in the forward position shown in Fig. 7a;

` Fig.A 9b is a view similar to Fig. 9a, showing the relation of the samepartawhen the turret is in the rear limiting position shownin Fig. 7b; Fig. 10 is a face view of the index wheel; Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken "on the line Xr-XI in Fig.l l;v and Fig. 12 is a view in cross-section and on an enlarged scale, of the manual tuning device.

Brieily, the sequence tuning mechanisr'nof the invention consists of a slidable carriageto which the' tuning element (or elements) ofa' radio receiver is attached, a multi-position rotatable turret providedwith a plurality of axially-adjustable stops, one for each turret position, and .actuating mechanism which, upon each operation-thereof,

. actuates the tuning-element carriageand the tur- Y. ret in timed relation so that first the carriage is AWithdrawn from the turret-stop which 4was effecti-ve at a previous tuned-in operation, afterwhich the turret isstepped to the next angular position to bring the stop corresponding'theretointo operative position,.and-thereafter-the-carriage is returned Vto abut against. said latter stop, whereat `the tuning element (or elementslis adjustably -s adapted to slide.

set to tune the receiver to a new predetermined carrier-frequency.

According to the present embodiment the turret is capable of angular adjustment to six positions, ve of which are utilized to automatically tune the receiver to predetermined carrier-frequencies assigned to the stations which are most frequently heard, and the sixth position is utilized to effect tuning of the receiver through its entire frequency range by means of a'manual tuning control member arranged to cooperate with the turret-stop corresponding to said sixth turret position. A solenoid under control of a manually'- operated switch is the actuating means for causing, with the aid of a pivoted lever coacting with an index wheel aiixed to the turret, rotation of the turret to `successive positions of angular adjustment.

For a detailed description of the tuning mechanism and its manner of operation, reference will now be made to the drawings.

Referring rst to Figs. 1,` 2 and 3, there isA shown at I a main supporting plate for frame member provided at the left with a mounting bracket 2 and at the right with a bracket 3 bent at right angles to a depending side piece 3 of the frame I (Fig. 1). Extending between and supported from brackets 2 and 3 is a rectangular `housing 4 within which (see Fig. 11) there is located a scale member 5 and an indicator pointer 6, and which carries also a manuallyactuated rocker-bar 1 utilized to initiate the automatic operation of the tuning mechanism.

The frame I has formed therein an elongated aperture 8 at the forward end of which, bent at right angles to and depending from the frame, is a bracket 9 (Figs. 1 and 2). Also bent at right angles to and depending from the frame at the vrear is a second bracket, IU aligned with the bracket 9. J ournaled within aligned holes in the respective brackets 9 and III is a shaft II.on which a core carriage, shown generally at I2, Also journalled within aligned holes in the same brackets and disposed above and in parallel relation to the carriage shaft II is a second shaft I3 (see Fig. 2) on which there is adapted to slide a solenoid-actuated arm I4 for moving the carriage. A third shaft I5 is disposed in parallel relation to shafts II and I3 and has its forward end journalled in a bushing IB carried by the bracket 3 and its rear end journalled in a hole formed in a bracket I1 which is bent at right angles to and depends from the frame member at the vrear in line with the bushing I6. The shaft I5 at its forward end carries a turret, shown generally at IB, and both the shaft and turret are capable of limited axial movement for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

The tuning element of the receiver. shown here as of the type known as a permeability tuner, comprises a plurality. of tuning coils (not shown), each housed in a shield can I9, and a plurality A. of magnetic cores I9f, each movable within its respective coil, the axial adjustment of the cores provided with a front transverse member 2|, to?" which the magnetic tuning cores I9 are attached through the medium of connecting wires 22 and adjusting screws 22', and with a rear transverse member 2|' (Fig. 3). The two transverse members 2| and 2I' are provided with aligned holes through which the shaft II extends, and the member 2l ids provided at the left (Figs. 2 and 3) with a slit or groove 23 which is adapted to receive a ledge 24 of a bracket 24 aixed to the underside of frame member I, the ledge 24 and shaft II serving as a pair of rails on which the core-supporting carriage is adapted to be reciprocated. A tension spring 25, having one end attached to the frame at 26 and its other end to the carriage at 26' serves to urge the carriage in a forward direction, the position shown in Fig. 1.

In order that the assembly of the slidable carriage and tuning cores may be stopped automatically at predetermined positions of adjustment there is provided the turret I8, previously mentioned. The turret and its shaft are shown in detail in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. In these gures the turret is shown in an intermediate position between its two limits of travel, the positionwl'iereat the manual screw-shaft, hereinafter referred to, is lowermostand in vertical alignment with the turret shaft.` On the latter shaft, between a pair of nuts 21 and 28 which are threaded thereon in spaced relation, is mounted an elongated hub or guide member 29 provided with six equi-angularly spaced grooves 30 which extend in the direction of the shaft. The opposite ends 3|, 3l' of the guide 29 are of reduced diameter to provide bearing surfaces for front and rear end plates 32 and 33. As shown in Fig. 6, one of the grooves designated 30a is undercut below the othersfand, unlike the others, extends through the end bearing surfaces 3I and 3 I to provide key-ways which are adapted to receive locking keys 34 and 35 formed on the respective end-plates to prevent rotation thereof with respect to the hub or guide member.

Extending between the two end plates` 32, 33 near their peripheries and equi-angularly spaced are six lead-screws 36A to 35E and 36M which are provided each at its rear end with a reduced bearing portion 31 journalled within a hole 38 formed in the rear end-plate. The lead-screws are provided at their forward ends with heads 39A to 39E and 39M, respectively, which extend through and are journalled at their bases Within countersunk holes 40 formed in the .front endplate. A spring plate 42, also keyed to the guide member at its rear end, is clamped at the center between nut 28 and rear end-plate 33. The spring plate is provided with six radially-extending fingers 43 which coact each with the bearing portion 31 of a lead-screw to spring-press the same in a forward direction. The screw-heads 39 are provided with radial slots 44 adapted to-be engaged by a manually-operated key, later to be described, and all the screw-heads Vare of the same length except the one designated 39M, utilized to effect manual tuning, which is made somewhat longer.

Threaded on the lead-screws are stop nuts, designated 45A to 45E and 45M to correspond with their respective lead-screws. In order to permit of individual axial adjustment of the stop-nuts, which have the configuration shown in Fig. 6, their reduced portions 4B are disposed within their respective grooves 30 and 30a in the hub or guide member 29 so that upon rotationof a leadscrew, its stop-nut is restrained from rotation with respect to the lead-screw but is permitted to move axially withinits groove. Fitted over the I. .Lseveralscrews .at the rear thereof are tubular '.fwfibre spacers. :which are adapted to limit the rangeoffstop-.nut adjustment. The front plate 32 is also keyed to the guide member and is provided .the .stop-nut and projection that are ,effective ,a during the cycle of operation to actuate the turret to its manual tuning position shown in Figs. )2 and 3v, are designated 45M'and 48M, respec- -3 1y-tively. 'I'hese elements, it will be noted, are spaced 90?.. apart as are also'corresponding pairs of the remaining stop-nuts and projections as, for exirf-,gampla stop-nut A and projection 48A, stopf nut 45B'and projection 48B, etc.

j T heprphery of front plate 32 is also pro- ,vided with acam notch or cut-out 5d for a pur- :pose to )be explained later. In assembling the turrent; plate 32 -is oriented on and keyed to the turret shaft so that the cam notch 5I) is disposed y fnext adjacent the longer-screw-head 39M, that ;vis,vto-therightthereof as viewed in Fig. 5. Ap-During a cycle of operation the turret assem- 'blyI- as-aV-unt is actuated rearwardly in an axial j direction from an initial position to a limiting l positionpafter which it is returned -by spring means in the opposite or forward direction to its minitial'position of rest. yDuring this rearward travel of thevturretassembly, the linear movement thereof is converted to one of rotation through-an angle of which it will be remem- I bered, 4is the angular distance between adjacent Apairs of Acircularly--arranged turret-screws and stop-nuts. The means for effecting this stepping A action of the turret during each cycle of operal `tion will now be described with reference to Figs.

, 7a and 7b.

A lThe bracket Il within which the turret shaft `I5-is .slidably mounted is provided with an in- ,j tegral ear 5I ,bent at right angles to and disposed in spaced parallel relation with respect to the shaft., Pivotally mounted on ear 5I by means Y shown in Figs.- 'la and 7b. In the rst position r (Fig. 7a) a shoulder 54 on the lever coacts with therear side of a portion of the bracket I1 disposed'fin the plane `of the lever, and in the sec- -=--ond `position (Fig. 7b) a second shoulder 55 on the lever coacts with the front side of said bracket portion. 'Ihey lever-is urged to the former posi- -f-"'tionl by means of a coil spring 56 which is an- -chored at one end to the lever at 51 and at the H =.='..other end toa suitable support 53 overhanging L the lever and affixed to the frame I.

. Attached to the .lock-nut 28 at the rear of the gf: Aturret assembly by suitable means is an index f="whe-.1.59,-a front `or face View of which is shown in Fig. 10. The index wheel has the configuration shown, being provided with as many spokes g- ;g 60 and spacesBI as there are turret positions.

H A coil spring 62 encircles the turret shaft I5 and -isd-is'oosed between the index wheel 59 and the bracket I 1. l'JI-'he spring urges tbe turret to the forward position showrriu. Fig. 7a. and in-tbat uolsitiqn'theriveted-eresia is. spadfrcm the index around fits periphery with six equi-angularly Wardly extending nose 63 points` downwardlyr at an angle to the shaft axis.

Upon actuation of the turret in a rearward direction, by means later to be described, the turret is moved linearly until the particular spoke t9. which happens tobe in the path of the nose,

strikes the upwardly inclined edge 64 of the nose counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the left in Fig. 7a, occurs initially during the interval that the wheel spoke travels up the nose incline. This initial turret rotation does not produce any turning movement on t-he lever because the force applied to the lever -by the moving tur-` ret is mainly in the direction of its pivotal point and also because of the slight friction existing between the spoke and the incline. However, upon the spoke abutting against shoulder 65, a turning moment is applied to the lever causing the same to be rocked to its limiting .positio'n shown in Fig. 7b and permitting the turret to complete its full rotation of 66. At this instant the turret has also reached its limit-of llinear travel and, as shown in Fig. 7b, the nose of the lever is rmly seated in the space between a pair of adjacent spokes E!! `so that the turret is properly indexed at the new angular position of adjustment.

In order that the turret may retain this angular adjustment during its return travel and also as its forward rest position, there are provided a pivoted guide arm, shown generally at 65 in Figs. 2 and 3, and a guide plate, shown generally at in Fig. 2. As best shown in Fig. 3, the pivoted arm 66 is mounted on a stud shaft B8 which is disposed in parallel relation to the other shafts mentioned above and is journalled within and between the brackets 3 and S. By means of a spring (not shown) the arm is urged against the periphery of the turret end-plate 32. In the forward position of the turret shown in Fig. 8a

the upper edge 69 of the arm rests underneath and in abutting relation with a projection which in the assumed case happens to be 48D. During the initial rearward travel of the turret, the projection 43D will ride onsaid arm edge part of the way until the turret commences to rotate when the projection will back away from the edge. At the limiting position of the turret shown in Fig. 8b. the turret has already been stepped to its next angular position as explained above, and the next projection 48E' after camming the arm out of its path will locate itself on edge 69 as shown in Fig. 8b. With forward travel of the turret from the position in FigSb to that in Fig. 3a, the projection 48E slides,v on the edge to thereby cause the turret to retain its new angular adjustment. f

As a further precaution to assure proper indexing of the turret vat its forward rest position, there is positioned underneath frame I and in overlying relation with respect to the front of the turret (see Fig. 2) the previously mentioned guide or index plate 61. The plate is held in position by means of a screw l!) and a pair of lugs ii which nt into a pair of similarly-shaped openings inthe frame. The plate is also provided with an openended slot 12 (Figs. 9a and 9b), the side 7 edges ofwhich are flared outwardly at'l3 and 14.

. In the forward or rest position of the turret as under th'e action of coil spring 62, the arm 66 will guide'the turret during at least part of its travel. However; when the projection 48A reaches the area between the flared edges 13 and 14, the guide plate takes over and guides the turret to its properly indexed position. The guide plate just described "is particularly effective when the tuning mechanism of the invention is applied to automobile receivers which are subject to considerable vibration and shock. Any tendency of the turret to return to its newly adjusted position in a direction other than a true linear direction will therefore be prevented by the guide arm and index plateabove described. The sole actuating device for the radio tuner is a solenoid mechanism, the functions of which are to drive the turret from its forward rest position to r,jits rear limiting position as described above, and to move the tuning-core carriage also from a'` rest position to a limiting position. The solenoid', shown at 'I5 (Figs. l, 2 and 3) is bolted to the frame, its armature or plunger 'I6 extending in 'parallelism with the several shafts II, I3 and I5. VThe outer end of the plunger is provided with a #reduced portion (not shown) which is adapted to receive a grommet 'I1 having a circular groove formed therein. This groove is adapted to receive vfa forked end 'I8 of the previously mentioned carriage actuator arm I4 which extends y along and in parallel spaced relation with the carria'ge'so that upon actuation of the arm, with f energization of the solenoid, it coacts with member 2l' yto move the core-carriage in a rearward direction. A coil spring 84 is disposed around.:

shaft I3 between the bracket Ill, which receives one end of the shaft, and the ear 80 of the actuator arm to urge the armature in a forward direction'vvhen the solenoid is in the deenergized state.

Although the actuator arm I4 has been described as being actuated by electrical means, such as the solenoid "I5, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that mechanical means may be employed equally as well for accomplishing the desired result. For example, by means of a suitable system of links associated with the actuator arm and actuated by a simple manual push-button, the necessary motive force may beA applied to the actuator arm to operate the tuning mechanism of the invention herein described.

The force for imparting the rearward movement to the turret is tansmitted by the actuator arm I4 through a lateral extension 85 ofthe carriage transverse member 2 I which is apertured to receive the turret shaft I5. Adapted to cooperate with said lateral extension is a nut and washer assembly carried on the outer end of the` turret shaft, said assembly comprising a nut 86- and a lock-nut B6', which are threaded on the shaft. and a metal washer 81 and a felt washer 81'.

The complete cycle of operation of the tuning mechanism will now be described. Let it be assumed that at the beginning of this cycle the parts are arranged as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, that is, with the turret positioned for manual tuning; with the core-carriage stopped in a tuned. position determined by the stop-nut 45M against which the right-hand corner of the carriage abuts; and with the actuator arm I4 in its forwardmost position due to the solenoid being deenergized. The turret, core-carriage and actuator arm are retained in their respective positions mentioned above by means of the springs 62, 25 and 84, respectively.

Operation of the tuning mechanism to-Seffect adjustment of the tuner to the vnext position in the sequence is initiated by closure of a switch 8B mounted on the frame behind the scalehousing 5 and connected in circuit with the solenoid 15. Upon energization of the latter, plunger 15 is pulled into its winding or, as vviewed in Fig. 3. in a rearward direction, carrying with it the actuator arm I4 in opposition to action of spring 84.

No useful function is peformed during the initial travel of the actuator arm until its extension 82--83 reaches the carriage transverse member 2|. Further travel of the actuator arm/results in the core-carriage being withdrawn'from its stop-nut M in opposition to action of spring 25, and still further travel of the actuator arm causes the lateral carriage-extension85 to engage the nut and Washer assembly 86E-8.1' at which time the turret begins its rearward movement in opposition to action of spring V(i2. The final travel of the actuator arm effects movement of the turret to its limiting position'` shown in Fig. 7b as well as movement of the core-carriage to its most rcarward'position at which the tuning cores are fully entered within their lrespective coils.` As already explained in connection with Figs. 7a and 7b, the turret assembly lis rotated through in a counter-clockwise direction during the rearward travel of the turret and during the course of the naltravel of the actuator arm. For the case originally assumed above. the turret will be rotated one step to its next adjustment in the sequence whereat the stop-nut 45Ais brought into the path of the right-hand corner of the core-carriage. i f..

The solenoid is deenergized after -the carriage and turret have reached their limiting positions, and spring 84 causes the return of actuator arm I4 to its original forward position, thus removing the driving force for the turret and corecarriage. The turret is now permitted to move forwardly under the action of spring 62 and the carriage also is permitted to move forwardly under the action of spring 25. With the return of the turret, accurately indexed in the manner already described, to its forward rest rposition the core-carriage returns to its new position at which it coacts with the stop-nut 45A just brought into position, and the cycle of operation is completed. f v

In order that the receiver may be silenced during the automatic tuning process and thus prevent the loudspeaker from blasting forth in succession the programs from many stations to which the receiver is tunable as the tuner is actuated from one position to the next; successive position, l a' short-circui'tinglswitch for the loudspeaker voice coil is provided. This switch designated 89 (see Figs. 1 and 2) is carried on a flange at the right side of Ithe core-carriage. Carried at the forward end of the movable arm of said switch is a cam member 9i) which is adapted in any-adjusted position of the turret to cooperate with the stop-nut then effective to cause the switch to remain open. With movement of the core-carriage away from its stop- 'nut, at the beginning of the automatic tuning cycle, the cam member is also withdrawn from the stop-nut to cause closure of the switch which in turn short-circuits the loudspeaker voice coil. The latter remains inthe short-circuited condition to almost the completion of the vtuning cycle and just prior to the instant the core-carriage is returned to its new position, when the switch cam member coacts with the stop-nut to open the switch and make the loudspeaker effective.

Extending underneath the housing 4 at the front of the mechanism and pivotally mounted between the housing side walls at 9| and SI is the manually-operated rocker-bar previously mentioned which is provided with a rearwardly extending arm 92 disposed underneath and in contact with a plunger 93 for operating the solenoid switch 88. The latter is suitably connected by leads to the solenoid and is supported on a bracket 94 which is affixed to the main frame l. The bracket is provided .with upper and lower flanges S and 95, respectively, which are apertured to slidably `receive the ,switch-operating plunger 93. Seated within a notch 91 at the side edge of the plunger is the free end of a switch arm 93. A spring 99 tends to urge `the plunger downwardly so that a flange 93 at its lower end rests on the rocker bar arm 92. switch arm 98 is in its open-switch position and the manually-operated part or finger piece l of the rocker-bar is biased to its upper position by reason of the action of spring 99 on the plunger which coacts with the rocker-bar extension 92. With downward pressure applied to the finger piece, the rocker-bar will be rocked to force the plunger bar 93 upwardly in opposition to action of spring 99 to actuate switch arm 93 to its closedswitch position. Upon the release of the finger piece, the plunger will return to its downward position under action of its spring and returning also switch arm 98 to its open-switch position.

In order to effect manual tuning of the receiver, when desired, and also to make the initial individual adjustments of the several stop-nuts, there is provided a manual tuning and'adjusting device IGU, shown generally in Figs. 1 and 3, for

In this state.

example, and in detail in Fig. 12. The device I B includes a bushing I U2 which extends through an aperture IGI formed within front plate 3 and is clamped thereto by means of a nut Iii I threaded- 1y received around the bushing. As shown in Figs. 1 vand 3, the device lill) is positioned ,to be axially aligned with the screw-head at the end of that lead-screw which at the particular inetant determines vthe tuner adjustment. Within the bushing IGZ of the device there is slidably mounted a shaft |03 having a main body portion |04 and a reduced portion 55, which is adapted to `extend through an aperture |85 in a front panel Hi8 and to have mounted at its outer end a manual tuning-knob I il?. Spaced forwardly of the main body of the shaft is a circulaigroove lili; which is adapted to receivea C-washer IUS, and between a shoulder II Aat the right of the main shaft body IM and the C-washer |59 are disposed a washer III, coil spring I i2, and a second washer IIS. The washer III is urgedby spring II2 against .a shoulder II4 formed-onthe inner surface of the bushing IEI2 so that the shaft extension I5 with knob III'I is urged outwardly (to the right as seen in Fig. 12) away from shoulder II4.

,At the other side of shaft ID3 there is provided a reduced portion I I5 which is adapted to receive the apertured-end of ahollow housing IIB provided with two diametrically opposed slots II'I within whichthe sides IIB on a base portion I2I of a nat key IIS is adapted to be slidably fitted. The base portion I2I ofthe key is retained within the housing by means of a washer I2I.at the rear thereof, and a coil spring |20 is disposed within the housing between the key base portion and the shaft-supported end of the housing to permit relative movement of the key with respect to the shaft. This relative movement of the key is necessary when the turret ,assembly is being rotated to its manual tuning position shown in Fig. 3, where the key I I9 is intended to be engaged in the slots 44 of head 39M at all times. Since'the key is then in the path of the longer screw-head 39M, it is necessary that the key be free to move in an axial direction when urged to do so by the screw-head so that the latter can reach its rest position even though the key is not aligned with its slots 44. Any misalignment is rectified when the shaft I is rotated by knob IUI, the keythen dropping into the first slots across which it is moved.

The turret is shown in Figs. 1 and 3 in the manual tuning position, in which position as heretofore stated, the key I I9 is engaged with the longer screw-head 39M so that depression ,of tuning-knob IQ'I is unnecessary for manual-tuning. Rotation of shaft ID3 by means of the tuning-knob effects axial movement of'the stop-nut 45M on its lead screw 36M and concomitanttravel of the core-carriage which is spring-pressed in abutting relation with stop-nut 45M.

In the manual tuning position of the turret shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the cam slot or notch 5D .in the turret front plate 32 is positioned to receive the pivoted index arm G5 as previously mentioned. This index arm is provided at -its opposite end with a switch actuator |25 to Aeffect closure of' a switch IZE carried by a suitably supported member I2?. This switch closes a circuit for a dial light'I (see Figli) located behind an aperture |29 in a plate I3@ spaced 'from the indicator scale 5 to visually indicate the fact that the tuner is set for manual operation.

For the purpose of initially setting-up the various stations to which it is desired that the tuner be automatically adjusted, the rocker-bar 'I is actuated to effect rotation of the turret-to any one of its angular positions. The manual tuning shaft ID3 is then pressed in in opposition to action of the spring I I2 to force key I I9 to engage the corresponding automatic tuning stop head 39A to 32m aligned therewith. The shaft in the depressed position is now rotated by knob |01 to seat the key |19 in theslots 44 on the selected stop head and cause'the corresponding stop-nut to be moved in an axial direction, which in turn causes the core-carriage to move. The tuning knob is thus manipulated until the desired `station is received. The knob is then released, and thereafter .when the turret is again rotated to the above angular position the receiver vwill be automatically tuned-in 4to `said-selected station. The

manual tuning is employed, so that in subsequent actuations of the manual rocker-bar the various selected stations will be automatically tuned-in and in a predetermined sequence.

It will be noted that the lead-screw 36M which serves to effect manual tuning is shown in the several figures to havea greater pitched screwthread than the other lead-screws, 36A to E, used toeffect automatic tuning. This is to provide a more rapid travel of the carriage-coacting stopmember 45M for manual tuning and a relatively slow or micrometer adjustment of the stop-nuts 45A to for initially setting up the stop positions to which the tuner is to be automatically actuated.

A pointer mechanism for indicating the tuning core position or the frequency adjustment of the receiver, is shown generally at |40 in Figs. 1 to 3. The mechanism is supported on a bracket I4! attached to the under side of frame I. Since this mechanism does not form apart of the present invention, .further description thereof will not be given except to state that actuation thereof is accomplished by means of an upstanding pin |42 4.

mounted on the core carriage as by means of an extending flange not shown, and that the linkage employed in the mechanism for actuating the pivoted pointer arm |43 is such that the pointer 6 at the end of said arm which extends into the`v housing 4 and is positioned above and behind the indicator scale (Fig. 11) is caused to travel linearly in response to linear travel of the core-carriage over itsrange. In other words, the pointer mechanism functions to translate the linear Y movement of the carriage or tuning element) in therefore contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modications as fall Within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim is: 1. The combination, in radio apparatus, of an adjustable tuning element, a movable carrier for :l

said tuning element, a turret provided with a pluralityof stops, each individually adjustable to a position which determines a particular setting to which the tuning element-is actuable, said turret being` capable of both axial and rotary movements, means operable tomove the tuning-element carried to a limiting position and simultaneously` to move the turret in an axial direction, means coacting with the turret to convert the axial movement thereof to rotary movement whereupon in response to actuations of the carrier-moving means the turret is rotated step-bystep to successive positions at each of whicha stop corresponding to the turret position is made eiective, and means operable to move the tuningelement carrier from'its limiting position to one at which it coacts with the then effective stop as determined by the next turret position whereby the tuning element is adjusted to the setting corresponding to said stop.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein a switch is supported on the tuning-element carrier for short-circuiting the loudspeaker of -said radio apparatus during movement of said carrier from one stop-position to the next.

12 3. The combination, in radio apparatus, of an adjustable tuning element, a movable carrier for l said tuning element, a cylindrical turret provided "with a plurality of circumferentially arranged stops, each individually adjustable axially of the turret to a position which determines a particular setting to which the tuning element is actuable, said turret being capable of both axial and rotary movements, means operable to move the tuning-element carrier to a limiting position and simultaneously to move the turret in an axial direction, means including a member carried on the turret and a member normally spaced therefrom, said members coacting to convert the axial move-r ment of the turret to rotary movement where upon in response to actuations of the carrier-- moving means the turret is rotated step-by-step to successive positions at each of which a stop cor-V responding to the turret position is made eiec tive, and means operable to move the tuning-ele ment carrier from its limiting position to one at which it coacts with the then eective stop as determined by the next turret position whereby' the tuning element is adjusted to the setting cory responding to said stop.

4. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein the member carried on the turret is an index wheel having as many spokes as there are turretstop-positions, and the other member is a lever pivoted on a fixed sup-port which is arranged to4 coact with a spoke to cause the turret to be* cammed to its next angular position.

5. The combination, in radio apparatus, of an adjustable tuning element, a reciprocablecarrier for said tuning element, a multi-position rotatable turret provided with a plurality of stops, one for each turret position, said stops being individually adjustable axially of the turret each to a position which determines a particular setting to which the tuning element is actuable, aetuating mechanism operable upon each actuation to Withdraw thev carrier from a previously adjusted setting and to impart linear motion to the turret, means for converting the linear motion of the turret to rotary motion whereby the turret is stepped to a position at which the stop corresponding to said position is made effective, and means operable to return the tuning element carrier to abut against the said effective stop Whereby the tuning element is adjusted to the setting corresponding to said stop.

6. The combination, in radio apparatus, of an adjustable tuning element, a reciprocable carrier for said tuning element, a multi-position rotatable turret provided with a plurality of stops, one for each turret position, said stopsbeing individually adjustable axially of the turret each to a position which determines a particular setting to which the tuning element is actuable. actuating mechanism operable upon each actuation to withdraw the carrier from a previously adjusted setting and to impart linear motion to the turret, an index wheel carried on the turret,`

a lever pivoted on a xed support for engagement by the index wheel to convert the-linear motion of the turret to rotary motion whereby the turret is stepped to a position which the stop corresponding to said position is made eifective, and means operable to return the tuning element carrier to abut against the said effective stop whereby the tuning element is adjusted to the setting corresponding to said stop. f

7. The combination, in radio apparatus, of an adjustable tuning element, a carrier for said tun- 13 ing element mounted for l-inearl movement, amulti-position rotatable turret, the angular positionvof which determines theparticular setting to which the tuning element is actuable, a shaft on Whichthe turret is mounted arranged for arial and rotary -movement,a stop-member for limiti ing the axial movement of the shaft and turret, actuating mechanism for the carrier and turret having a reciprocable member which, upon operation of the mechanism, actuates the tuningelement carrie-r and turret-shaft to their respective limiting positions, means movable with the turret vand its shaft coacting with said stop-- member, upon movement of the turret to its limit of axial movement, to cause rotation of the turret from one angular position to another, and means for effecting individual return travel of the reciprocable member, tuning-element car-l 11. The combination, defined in-,claixn 9; in. which the guide structure comprises a plurality vof equi-angularly spaced projections on the -turre t equal to the number of turret stop positions, and a fixedl guide plate provided with an open-ended v slot for individually receiving-the successive prol jections as they axially' return with the turret to the rest position, and holding the projections against rotation.

l2. The combination dened-in claim-Qin- Which the guide structure comprises a pluralityk of equi-angularly spaced projections on the turret equal'to the number of turretstop positions, and

a guide member pivotally held on a xed..sup port for sequentially engaging ythe individual projections and guiding the turret in its axial reand simultaneously to move the turret in an axial direction, means operable in responseito axialmovement of the turret to cause the turret to be stepped to another angular setting at which the stop corresponding to said turret position is made element carrier from its limiting position to one whereat it coacts with the then effective stop whereby the tuning element is adjusted vto the settingy corresponding to said stop.

9. Inautomatic sequence tuning mechanism for radioapparatus of the type having a tuning.

element movable along a travel path to different positions for changing the tuning of the apeiective,` and means operable to move the tuningl turn movement toward its axial rest position,V

13. The combination defined in claim 9 in which the guide structure comprises aplurality.-`

ofequi-angularly spaced projections on the turret equal to the number of turret stop positions,y land a guide member pivotally held on aiixedsupport for engagingthe individual projections.y f.

and guiding the turret in its axial returnfmovef ment toward its axial rest position, and -Wherein one of the stops is connected as a manualtuning element, the corresponding projection is.A shaped differently from the others and a switchresponsive to said specially vshaped projectionds. v connected in a visual indicator .combinationior actuation by said specially shaped projection and indicating when the mechanism is in manual .tuning position;

14. The `combination donned in claim 19Min. which the -guide structure comprises a plurality, v,

of equi-angularly spacedprojectons on the turret equal to the number of turret stop positions, a j, fixed guide plate provided with anopen-ended slot for individually receiving the successiuezproparatus: a positioning turret having an axis, and

rotatably and slidably mounted with respect to said axis;` a set of` positioning stops adjustably held on said turret in angularly displaced stepsV with respect to said axis; said turret beingv rotatable around said axis in corresponding steps to sequentially bring the individual stops to aI position in the travel path of the tuning element to define a predetermined adjustable tuning-position for said element, shift structure connected for axially sliding the turret first away from and then back to an axial rest position in response to an automatic tuning operation, shift structure including mechanical elements connected to convert atleast part of each axial toand-fro turret movement into a step of turret rotation for removing one positioning stopiron the travelnpath and replacing the removed stop with another to sequentially tune the apparatus, and guide structure positioned lto assure that at all times between automatic tuning operations the turret is held in a properly indexed rotatory step position..

10. The combination dened in claim 9 wherein the shift structure comprises radially directed indexing yspokes carried by the turret and corresponding in number to the number oi stops,

and a cam lever pivoted on a fixed support for sequential engagement with the individual Spokes upon axial movement of the turret to 'cause the turret to be cammed to its next angular position.

jections as they axially return-With the turret Y to the rest position, and holding the projections.- againstrotation, and a pawl member pivotally held on a xed support for engaging the individual projections and guiding the turret in its axial return movement toa position at leastadjacent the open-ended slot o f the fixed guide plate. v l

15. In automatic tuning mechanismior. radio step to angular settings at each of` which there is a separate tuning element stop for positioning the tuning element; each of the stopsbeing threadedly held on the turret for selectable adr justment to the desired stop position; one ofthe stopslbeing connected as a manual tuning eleapparatus of the type having a movable tuning element; a positioning turret rotatable step-byi Vment-and .being held with thread ofv a gr eater f l pitch than the others to provide a more rapid travel .of the associated stop for manually tuning the mechanism` more readily.

16. The combination as defined by claim 9 in Whichthe mechanical elements are connected to substantially complete the rotatoryturret stepping during the first sliding movement ci the turret awayfromits axial rest position.

1'?. In automatic sequence tuning mechanism for signal receiving apparatus: ytuning structure movable along a tuning path to diierent posi@ tion for changing the tuning of the apparatus;

a positioning turrethaving an axis, and rotatably and slidably mounted with respect to saidjaxis;l a set of positioningI stops adjustably held on said turret in angularly displaced steps with respect to said axis; said turret being rotatable around said axis in corresponding steps to sel quentially bring the individual stops to a position in the tuning path to dene a predetermined adjustable tuning position for said structure, shift structure connected for axially sliding the turret iirst away from and then back to an axial. rest position in response to an automatic tuning operation, said shift structure including mechanical elements connected to convert at least part of each axial to-and-fro turret movement into a step of turret rotation for removing one positioning stop from the tuning path; and replacing the removed stop with another to sequentially tune the apparatus, said shift structure including bias elements connected to urge the turret toward its rest position, and electrically energizable impelling structure connected to carry the turret away from its rest position.

18. The combination as deiined by claim 17 in which the bias structure is falso connected to hold the tuning structure against the individual positioning stops and the electrically energizable impelling structure is connected to withdraw the tuning structure from the individualstops as it carries the turret away from its rest position.

I19. In a tuner for tuning to a selected'frequency of a plurality of radio frequencies, the combination of a movable frequency tuning element movable to various positions to twne corresponding frequencies, means to move said element'jor tuning purposes, a rotatable turret assembly including adjustable stop elements, mechanical means coupling said rotatable assembly to said movable frequency tuning element for movement therewith in the same direction of motion, arresting means comprising an element for engagement with said stop elements and at positions corresponding to various frequencies to be tuned, together with manual means to move said arresting element while so engaged with the said rotatable assembly to thereby move said element and the movable frequency tuning element for correction purposes, substantially as described.

20. A tuning drive mechanism for radio receivers and the like comprising in combination, a movable tuning control means, a main tuning drive shaft mechanically coupled for moving said means, a rotatable turret assembly mechanically coupled for movement in the same direction of motion as said movable tuning control means by actuation of said main tuning drive shaft, a series of adjustable stops carried by said member, each adapted to represent a predetermined broadcast frequency channel, a means for selecting said stops successively, and a vernier control means mechanically coupled for tuning within said channels by eecting'movement of said stops thereby mechanically moving said main tuning drive shaft. w

21. A tuning drive mechanism for radio receivers andthe like comprising in combination, a movable tuning control means, a main tuning drive shaft mechanically coupled for moving said means, a rotatable turret assembly mechanically coupled for movement in the same direction of motion as said movable tuning control means by actuation-of said main tuning drive shaft, a series of adjustable stops carried by said member, each adapted tov represent aV predetermined broadcast frequency channel, a means for selecting said stopssuccessively, and a vernier control means mechanically coupled for tuning within said channelsby eecting movement of a 4.selected 16 4one of said stops thereby mechanically moving said movable tuning control means.

22.v The combination, in tunable radio apparatus, of a multi-position rotatable turret, the angular setting of whcih determines the tuning of said radio apparatus, a pair of end plates for said turret, a plurality of turret elements spaced about, the turret and supported between said end plates, and a spring plate provided with radially extending fingers which ccact with said turret elements to spring press the elements against one end plate of said turret.

23. The combination as denned in claim 22 wherein the turret elements are rotatable screws having bearing portions at each end, and said end plates define holes in which said bearing portions are journalled for rotation.

24.. The combination as defined in claim 22 wherein one of said end plates supports one end of said turret elements against circumferential or radial movement, and the spring plate spring presses the elements against said last mentioned end plate.

25. The combination, in tunable radio apparatus, of a multi-position rotatable turret, two endplates for said turret, a plurality of circumferentially arranged tuning elements on said turret to bring about a predetermined adjustment for each turret position, bearing portions upon each andI of said tuning elements, said end plates defining holes in which said bearing portions are supported, and a spring plate having radially-ea:- tending Jingers which coact with the bearing portion upon one end of said tuning elements clamped at the center to one end plate to spring press the elements toward the other of said end plates.

26; In a tuner for tuning to a selected frequency of a plurality of radio frequencies, the combination of a movable frequency tuning element movable tovarious positions to tune corresponding frequencies, means to move said element for tuning purposes comprising a mechanical linkage, a rotatable turret assembly including adjustable stops coupled by said mechanical linkage to said movable frequency tuning element and movable therewith upon actuation of said mechanical linkage in the same direction of motion as the frequency tuning-element, arresting means comprising an element for engagement with said adjustable stops at positions corresponding to various frequencies to be tuned, together with manual means to move said arresting element while so engaged with the said element to thereby move said element and the movable frequency tuning element for correction purposes, substantially as described.

EDWARD J. SPERBER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 137,074 Hard Mar. 23, 1873 1,167,179 Hires Jan. 4, 1916 2,242,055 Cramer May 13, 1941 2,310,720 Wandrey Feb. 9, 1943 2,342,691 Plensler Feb. 29, 1944 2,411,754 l Pifer et al Nov. 26, 1946- 2,435,522 r Wagenknecht Feb. 3, 1948 

